Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
At least three agreements have been signed between Zimbabwe and Qatar as the two countries seek to cement cooperation in various sectors of the economy.
The agreements, signed between Qatar’s Al Mansour Holdings and representatives of the Zimbabwean Government and its agencies, include an agreement on the Agriculture and Rural Development Authority.
This was signed by ARDA Chief Executive Officer Mr Tinotenda Mhiko and Chairman of Al Mansour, Mr Nidal Ammache.
The second was a Framework Agreement between the Mutapa Investment Fund, signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr John Mangudya, and Al Mansour Holdings.
The third agreement was signed by Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu and the leader of the Qatar delegation, His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani.
Among those who witnessed the signing ceremony was Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya.
In an interview, Mr Mhiko said: “This is a landmark and defining moment for a comprehensive partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation between ARDA and Al Mansour. The cooperation focuses mainly on seven areas of collaboration and partnership.”
He noted that the areas include irrigation and dairy processing, among others.
Dr Mangudya said the agreement will explore ways to reform the Cold Storage Company, a meat processing firm that has recently faced viability challenges.
“We need investment in the Cold Storage Company. That investment can either be made by the Government or through joint ventures in the development of beef production in the country.”
Bongani Ndlovu